Set Up Your First Email List with Squarespace

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you'll be able to:

1. Create a subscriber list in Squarespace Email Campaigns
2. Add signup forms and popups to your website
3. Set up double opt-in to maintain quality subscriber engagement

Introduction

Email marketing starts with a solid foundation – your subscriber list. This chapter walks you through creating your first email list in Squarespace, adding the right signup forms to capture visitors, and setting up double opt-in to ensure you're building a quality audience that actually wants to hear from you.

We'll cover the practical steps you need to get your list up and running, plus the common mistakes to avoid along the way.

Lessons

Lesson 1: Creating Your First Subscriber List

Your subscriber list is where all your contacts live. Here's how to set up your first one:

Step 1: Log into your Squarespace account and head to Email Campaigns from your main dashboard.

Step 2: Click on "Lists" in the left sidebar, then select "Create a List."

Step 3: Give your list a clear, descriptive name. If you're running a bakery, call it "Bakery Newsletter" rather than "List 1."

Step 4: Add a description that reminds you what this list is for – you'll thank yourself later when you have multiple lists.

Step 5: Click "Save" to create your list.

Your list is now ready to collect subscribers. Keep the name straightforward – you'll be looking at it regularly as your email marketing grows.

Lesson 2: Adding Signup Forms and Popups

Now you need ways for people to join your list. Squarespace gives you two main options: signup forms and popups.

For Signup Forms:

Step 1: Go to your Email Campaigns dashboard and click "Create," then "Signup Form."

Step 2: Choose where you want the form to appear – in your footer, sidebar, or embedded in a page.

Step 3: Connect it to the list you just created.

Step 4: Customise the form fields. Start with just email address and first name – asking for too much information puts people off.

Step 5: Match the design to your website's style using the available colour and font options.

Step 6: Set your form live by clicking "Activate."

For Popups:

Step 1: From Email Campaigns, click "Create," then "Popup."

Step 2: Choose your trigger – when someone arrives, when they're about to leave, or after they've spent time on your site.

Step 3: Connect it to your subscriber list.

Step 4: Write your popup text. Keep it short and focus on what subscribers will get.

Step 5: Set the timing and frequency rules so you don't annoy visitors.

Step 6: Activate the popup once you're happy with the setup.

Test different placements for your signup forms. What works for one website might not work for another.

Lesson 3: Setting Up Double Opt-In

Double opt-in means people confirm their email address before joining your list. It's an extra step, but it weeds out fake emails and ensures people actually want your emails.

Step 1: Go to your subscriber list settings in Email Campaigns.

Step 2: Toggle on "Double opt-in" (it's usually on by default).

Step 3: Customise the confirmation email that gets sent automatically. Make it friendly and explain what they're confirming.

Step 4: Write a clear subject line like "Please confirm your email address" or "One quick step to join our newsletter."

Step 5: Save your settings.

Step 6: Test the process by signing up with your own email address to see what subscribers experience.

Your confirmation email should be welcoming, not corporate. People are more likely to click confirm if the email feels personal and helpful.

Practice

Set up a test signup form on your website and go through the signup process using your own email address. Check that:

• The form appears correctly on your site
• You receive the confirmation email promptly
• The confirmation process works smoothly
• You're added to the list after confirming

This gives you the same experience your visitors will have and helps you spot any issues before they affect real subscribers.

FAQs

How do I see who's on my subscriber list?
Go to Email Campaigns, click "Lists," then select your list name. You'll see all subscribers, when they joined, and their status.

What information should I collect in my signup form?
Start with just email address and first name. You can always ask for more information later through surveys or preference centres. Too many fields reduce signups.

Can I create different signup forms for different pages?
Yes, you can create multiple signup forms and target them to specific pages or content. This helps you tailor the signup experience to what visitors are looking at.

What happens if someone doesn't confirm their double opt-in?
They won't be added to your list and won't receive your emails. Squarespace will show them as "pending" in your list until they confirm or the confirmation expires.

Jargon Buster

Double Opt-In: A two-step process where subscribers confirm their email address after signing up, ensuring they genuinely want to receive your emails.

Subscriber List: The collection of email addresses and contact details from people who have opted to receive your communications.

Signup Forms: Website elements that let visitors enter their email address and other details to join your mailing list.

Popups: Small windows that appear on webpages to capture visitor information, often triggered by specific user actions.

Wrap-up

You now have the foundation for email marketing success – a properly set up subscriber list with signup forms and double opt-in protection. The key is starting simple and improving as you learn what works for your audience.

Test different form placements, keep your signup process simple, and always put yourself in your subscribers' shoes. Quality beats quantity when it comes to email lists.

Ready to take your email marketing further? Join thousands of other business owners learning practical digital marketing skills at https://www.pixelhaze.academy/membership